Dr Hilary Jones has explained the difference between coronavirus and hay fever to those concerned about their symptoms.
During a segment on Thursday's Good Morning Britain, the general practitioner revealed there are two "cardinal symptoms" that will tell the difference between the life-threatening bug and the allergic reaction to pollen.
A viewer contacted the daytime show and said because he suffers from hay fever, he's worried he won't be to separate his symptoms.
Presenter Kate Garraway informed the resident doctor that viewer Alan has a similar diagnosis to coronavirus – dry chesty cough, sniffly nose and higher than normal temperature – so is distressed about whether he's actually contracted the deadly bug instead.
However, Dr Hilary assured viewers at home that hay fever sufferers won't have a fever, but those tested positive with coronavirus might.
Sharing his pearls of wisdom, he explained: "The interesting thing about hay fever is it doesn't give you a fever. It's a complete misnomer.
"Whereas coronavirus often can. One of the cardinal symptoms to look at with coronavirus is a fever over 38-degrees and a dry persistent cough, which is new for you.
"If you have those two symptoms you need to self-isolate. Hay fever is coming in now. People are getting a bunged up nose. That isn't often a symptom of coronavirus.
"If you haven't got the two cardinal symptoms of cough, which is new, and fever then you carry on as normal."
Co-host Ben Shephard then interjected and questioned the social distancing rule because a viewer asked if he could push his elderly neighbour in a wheelchair to the shops.
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Hilary explained: "It's close contact of course. We don't know the reason for being in a wheelchair. You have to look at whether he's in a vulnerable or at risk group.
"If he's not in either of those there's no reason they can't go to the shop together.
"If he's in either group he should really get deliveries to him without going to the shop at all."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV
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